Top Mammoth Prospect Following in Father's Footsteps at WJC

Many believed that top Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla should have made Canada's roster for the 2025 World Junior Championship. He was a notable snub, and Canada was eliminated in the quarterfinal for the second straight year.

This time around, the Mammoth's sixth-overall pick in 2024 was not only an easy choice but a go-to player. Through the preliminary round, Iginla has been locked in, and his game has never looked better. In three games, he's scored two goals and added three assists, tied for third on the team in points, and is helping Canada earn the top spot in Group B.

It's extremely reminiscent of what his father, Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, produced during his own appearance at the WJC. Jarome was a key piece of Canada's gold medal-winning team in 1996, scoring 12 points to lead the tournament. Now, 30 years later, his son is on a similar path.

Impressing Mom and Dad

Canada secured the top spot in Group B after a convincing win over Finland, defeating the Finns 7-4. Iginla recorded a goal and an assist in the contest, and he was arguably the team's top performer in the win.

Speaking after the game, Tij shared how meaningful it was to have his parents in the crowd for what was such an impressive performance.

"It was cool," he said. "Anytime I can play well with them watching. In an atmosphere like this as well, in a big game. It's special."

Not only is it special to play in front of his father, widely regarded as one of the best players in the 2000s and 2010s, but Tij also has the chance to break things down with his dad afterwards. He said that Jarome is hands-off leading up to games, but he's always happy to discuss what he can do better after.

"If I'm in a little bit of a slump, he'll encourage me," he said. "More just after games and looking at what I can work on and encouragement and things like that. But, he usually lets me be a little bit more leading up to the game and the day of."